Usually I don't feel mega-stress during the Christmas season. I get the busy, running around, crazy feeling, but not stress. This year, honestly, I am fighting a little to feel the joy. I find myself with that overwhelmed feeling. My kids have been feeling it, too. I have talked to a few different people about it. I have come away with a nugget of wisdom that has really helped me a great deal.
Keep my priorities straight and everything else in perspective. I'll thank my wise husband for this one. The most important priority is keeping my walk with God strong. It is followed closely by my relationship with my husband and kids, and others that I love and treasure. After those, my new-found health is way up on the list right now. It's funny, but when we are stressed the things that keep us focus and grounded are the first to go. In the midst of parties, shopping, baking, and other festivities it is really tempting to set aside what seems commonplace and normal. We skip bible study, don't worry if we miss one more dinner at home with the kids, give a wave and a kiss to our spouse and hurry out of the house on to the next obligation. We don't have time to exercise, all while eating every feast and cookie presented to us because it is what people do at Christmas. This is what was causing my stress. My impulse is to fulfill the many expectations of this time of year and neglect those things most dear to me.
I will not skip bible study and fellowship because I am too busy or stressed out to make it. My relationship with God will sustain me though all other aspects of life. My biggest priority is to praise God for the birth of Jesus. Everything else pales in comparison.
In light of this thinking through of priorities, I have asked my kids for input. What is it they want? When it came down to it, they wanted to get rid of a lot of the outside stuff and just spend some time at home with the family. So often we assume they want and need these big, grand Christmas plans in order to make it feel special. Maybe they treasure more the peaceful time that could be spending with those they care about. Hmmm.
I don't even need to ask my husband. I know him well enough to know he needs some quiet in the midst of business. And he needs me as well. Not just a wife who takes care of things, but a wife who cares for him. I praise God that this is true. I pray he will always desire my time and attention.
I will certainly not jeopardize the work of the last year by eating to excess, or skipping the gym. And to be honest, it is not even tempting. I tried a bite of my husband's donut. It tasted bland and like not much more than fried sugar. Wasn't even good when compared to the rich, flavorful foods I have become accustomed to. When I skip the gym, I feel lethargic and tired. Good eating and exercise, along with my most important relationships, feed my soul.
Everything else, I will keep in perspective. My friends are also a priority in my life. I am so glad that I have the chance to see and celebrate with so many of you this year. If our paths haven't crossed lately, give me a call, I'd love to have lunch, as long as you don't mind meeting at Subway. My house is beyond messy and I've not made it to the store. I also hope you will forgive me if I don't get out Christmas cards this year. I still love you, and care about you, but my kids wanted to play a game with me. And please don't feel slighted that I had no cookies to share when I came to your party. I hope you love me and know me well enough to understand why I didn't bake any. Not this year. But I will bring something with beans or hummus in it! Finally, if I don't always answer the phone, I really want to talk to you and will call you back as soon as I can. I was talking to my husband and he needed me. Thanks for understanding. I promise to understand when you need to ask the same of me.
...Ahh, peace. And joy. Now I feel it.
